Others

Identifying other invaders

PIGEONS

Pigeons and doves both belong to the Columbidae family. These large birds have a small neck and short fleshy beak that’s covered in wax (a thick waxy membrane covers the base and upper end of the beak). The species that is most commonly known as “pigeon” is the rock dove, a bird that’s prevalent in cities and small rural communities.

The rock dove measures 32 to 37 cm in length, and its wingspan can reach 64 to 72 cm. Its lower back is white with two distinctive black stripes on its pale grey wings. Its tail features white spots. The rock dove flies with quick strength, and its pale grey rump is easy to spot when the bird is in flight.

Pigeons tend to couple up and rest in flocks. The biggest issue with pigeons is the considerable amount of excrement they produce. Indeed, large amounts of pigeon excrement are a threat to human health.

Pigeons are linked with a number of illnesses, such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

Histoplasmosis is caused by a mushroom that grows in pigeon excrement, but pigeons are not the only source of this pathogen.